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Guide to Diaries in the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections of the New England Historic Genealogical Society

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From the seventeenth century to the present, the diaries in the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections — written by men and women from their teens to their nineties — record details of historic events and of their private lives, giving us fresh insight into the past. This new paperback lists the diaries (approximately 300) currently in the American Ancestors archives; images of actual diary pages are included. Perusing the contents, the reader will get an idea of the depth and variety of the collection and also a sense of the rich historical detail the diaries and journals contain.

Genealogist's Handbook for Irish Research

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In Genealogist’s Handbook for Irish Research, American Ancestors Irish genealogy experts Marie E. Daly and Judith Lucey offer tips for navigating the sometimes challenging course of finding Irish ancestors. Using real-life examples and offering many illustrations of records and techniques, they take a step-by-step approach to using American records to trace Irish ancestors in this country, with the goal of finding the place of origin. They then explain how to use Irish records to learn even more.

Witches, Rakes, and Rogues: True Stories of Scam Scandal, Murder, and Mayhem in Boston 1630–1775 (hardcover)

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When most people think of Boston between its founding in 1630 and the height of the American Revolution, they probably imagine a procession of Puritan ministers in black followed by patriots like Paul Revere on horseback. In his new book, Brenton Simons will change a few minds and shock a few others. Witches, Rakes, and Rogues demonstrates convincingly that the narrow, twisting streets of colonial Boston were crawling with murderers, con men, and other blackguards. Bostonians may have been prayerful, but they were also prurient and violent.

The History and Antiquities of Boston, From Its Settlement in 1630 to the Year 1770

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Originally published in 1856, Drake's history of pre-revolutionary Boston has long been a key resource for historians. From the city's founding to its first churches; natural disasters to outbreaks; witchcraft to Freemasonry, this volume provides detailed historical context for anyone with early Boston ancestors.

By Samuel G. Drake

Foreword by D. Brenton Simons

Published: February 2013

The Founders: Portraits of Persons Born Abroad Who Came to the Colonies in North America Before the Year 1701

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The Boston Athenaeum originally published these volumes in 1919 as a catalogue of a 1917 exhibition of engravings and photographs which included portraits by Rembrandt and Van Dyck. Each portrait is accompanied by a detailed biographical outline and additional commentary. The compilation is organized by region (Carolina; Virginia and Maryland; New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware; New England; and the West) with an alphabetical list of subjects and an index.

By Charles Knowles Bolton

Foreword by Elizabeth E. Barker, Ph.D.

The Fairbanks House: A History of the Oldest Timber-Frame Building in New England 2nd ed.

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The Fairbanks House is the oldest surviving timber frame house in New England - the best example of seventeenth century architecture still standing. Located in Dedham, Massachusetts, the house was built for Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks and their family in 1636 and remains in the family today. This book is a fascinating detailed architectural history written by a highly respected authority in the field.

By Abbott Lowell Cummings
Published by the New England Historic Genealogical Society in December 2002

The Crooked and Narrow Streets of the Town of Boston 1630-1822

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Annie Haven Thwing turned her massive collection of nearly 125,000 index cards into this beloved and highly informative 1920 publication. Thwing used colony records and the Suffolk deeds to paint a picture of Boston’s neighborhoods—the North End, Government and Business Centre, South End, West End, and “The Neck”—and their inhabitants. The story is also told visually in seven charming maps.

By Annie Haven Thwing

Foreword by D. Brenton Simons

6 x 9 paperback, 320 pages, illustrated